Diabetes Viewpoints

A Diabetes “Night Before Christmas”

By Kathy Weinheimer


As a child, I believed my doctor would “fix” whatever was wrong with me, because he always had. When he couldn’t fix my diabetes I knew I had only one option …ask Santa. I didn’t realize the cure wasn’t coming even when I was hurriedly removed from Santa’s lap without his usual “I’ll see what I can do.”

While I still wait, I present: A Diabetes Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
And all through my home
Not a creature was stirring,
I was up all alone.

The stockings were hung all neat in a row,
Santa was coming to fill them. Why was he so slow?
I’d asked for one gift, one very special thing.
It would be light to carry, easy for Santa to bring.

I hadn’t been naughty, in fact, I’d been nice.
I’d written to Santa, I think, at least twice.
I’d asked Santa each year, but this year I was sure
That Santa was bringing me a diabetes cure.

Now, here stood Santa in front of the Christmas tree.
I asked, “Dear Santa, what did you bring me?”
“Not this year,” he said sadly. I knew it was true.
I wiped a tear from my eye and Santa did too.

“Oh Santa,” I said. “What is taking so long?”
He said, “It is coming. I promise. Now try to stay strong!”
“Check your BG, count carbs, make sure to watch your diet,
educate others, don’t just keep quiet.”

“See your doctor, exercise, avoid stress and strife,
Encourage each other, support dLife!”
“The doctors are working to beat diabetes. That is the plan.
I’ll be back with your cure just as soon as I can.”

I heard him exclaim as I ran to the window to watch him pass,
“Merry Christmas to all. Let’s kick diabetes’…behind!”

Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not all medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.